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20 Surprisingly Filthy Things In Your Bedroom And What To Replace Them With
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If your bedroom is your sanctuary, I’ve got some good news and some bad news for you. Here’s the worst of it: your whole room is probably covered in filth, no matter how clean you say you keep it. The good news: you can replace your dirtiest bedroom items with more hygienic products, and use cleaning products that will specifically get rid of allergens and dust mites in your room.
This is an especially comforting thought for a hygienic germaphobe such as myself. It means that when I cuddle into bed at night with a good book, I can focus on the words in front of me rather than the disturbing visual that my body is cushioned by a layer of skin cells and dust mite poop. Vivid imaginations are the best, aren't they?
In all seriousness, while the bathroom and the kitchen get a lot of flak for being particularly dirty rooms, your bedroom is home to a ton of dust mites and bacteria cells. That's primarily because most objects in your room (like mattresses, furniture, and carpets) very rarely get replaced. A toilet brush gets thrown out every couple months, but you'll likely keep the same comforter for years, and those are notoriously hard to clean. Here are some great products to help keep your bedroom fresher, safer, and free of dust mites.
1. These Hypoallergenic Sheets Made From Bamboo
Golden Linen Bamboo Sheets Set, $26, Amazon
According to a microbiologist at the New York University School of Medicine, you've got fungus spores, dander, pollen, soil, skill cells, and excrement hanging out in your sheets. Golden Linen bamboo sheets make an awesome replacement because they're hypoallergenic, fade resistant, and stain resistant. They're also way more breathable, hygienic, and moisture-wicking, because they're made from a mix of bamboo and microfiber.
2. This Supportive Pillow That's Resistant To Allergens And Dust Mites
Coop Home Goods Hypoallergenic Pillow, $55, Amazon
The weight of your average pillow doubles over the span of three years because of dust mites and skin cells. This Coop Home Goods pillow has removable shredded memory foam and a hypoallergenic bamboo cover, both of which are dust mite resistant. It's also machine washable, and you can personalize the amount of stuffing depending on your preferred pillow thickness. "I've owned this pillow for a year and I will never again own a different pillow," says one reviewer.
3. The Pillow Protector That Keeps Allergens And Mites Away
American Pillowcase Pillow Protector, $11, Amazon
This pillowcase protector can be zippered over your pillow to protect from dust mites, bacteria, germs, and bed bugs. It can even help with snoring! This one is machine washable, feels like soft terry cloth on your skin, and will help you breathe and sleep easier. Reviewers sometimes add a pillowcase on top of it as well, but you don't have to.
4. The Curtains That Can Handle The Sun And Your Washing Machine
Nicetown Blackout Curtains, $21, Amazon
Most curtains are dusty, fragile, and barely stand up to the vaccuum cleaner. These Nicetown blackout curtains are made with an innovative triple-weave design that helps block out light, but they're also made to last. That means you can throw them in the washing machine to remove dust and dirt, and they come in 17 different colors and four different sizes.
5. This Phone Sanitizer That Adds A Touch Of Aromatherapy
UV Cell Phone Sanitizer, $30, Amazon
It's been estimated that your phone has 25,000 germs per square inch, which is dirtier than a public toilet, and yet you bring it into bed with you every night. This UV cell phone sanitizer uses ultra violet rays to kill bacteria and viruses without damaging your phone, and it adds an aromatherapy finishing oil to make your space smell fresh. It can also be used on jewelry, watches, and other small gadgets, and only takes five minutes to work.
6. A Rug That Traps Dirt More Efficiently With Every Wash
Muddle Mat, $30, Amazon
Most area rugs collect dirt and then fall apart in the washing machine. The Muddle Mat is specifically designed to absorb tons of dirt using a cotton and microfiber blend, and it actually gets more effective with every wash. It's also got an anti-slip back and a soft, comfy feel. If you have a pet or your bedroom leads to a balcony, this is exactly what you need.
7. The Pajamas That Can Minimize Sweat And Bacteria
Latuza Bamboo Pajamas (Sizes S-XXL), $20, Amazon
One survey found that most women wear their pajamas an average of 17 nights in a row before washing them. These Latuza bamboo pajamas are made from 95 percent bamboo viscose, which is notoriously wonderful when it comes to wicking sweat, allowing airflow, and preventing bacteria growth. Reviewers also can't stop raving about how "soft, silky and comfortable" these are.
8. The Mattress Cover That Should Replace Your Old One
CYLEN Hypoallergenic Bamboo Mattress Cover, $24, Amazon
According to one study conducted by a mattress specialist company, an eight year old mattress contains more than 10 pounds of skin cells. However, if a new mattress isn't in your budget, try a CYLEN hypoallergenic bamboo mattress cover. It keeps pet dander, bacteria, dust mites, and allergens out without blocking air flow, and it's noiseless, waterproof, and seriously comfortable. Best of all, the bamboo fabric is way more hygienic and better when it comes to wicking sweat.
9. The Vacuum With UV Lights That Kill Bacteria On Your Mattress And Comforter
Housmile Anti-Dust Mites UV Vacuum Cleaner, $80, Amazon
Good Housekeeping says that your carpet collects more bacteria than your toilet, and an average vacuum isn't doing much to get rid of it. The Housmile Vacuum uses a powerful UV lamp with powerful suction to kill dust mites, allergens, and up to 99.7 percent of everything hiding in your mattress and carpets. One reviewer says, "This is a wonderful product. I've used it in my closets, on bedding, on the couch and on floor rugs, as a preventive for dust mites or mold spores.This is a great product for those who have sensitivities to indoor allergens or to thoroughly sanitize children's rooms.You won't be disappointed with the purchase of this product."
10. The Duster That Will Get All The Places You Usually Miss
OXO Good Grips Microfiber Extendable Duster, $15, Amazon
If you dust with a cloth, chances are you're missing plenty of the stuff that has you waking up congested. This extendable duster retracts 27" and the microfiber head rotates 270 degrees. That means you can reach all the way under your bed, in the corners of your ceiling, at the top of your curtain rods, and all the sneaky places you didn't reach previous. When you're done, you can detach the head and throw it right in the wash.
11. The Fan That Won't Attract Dust Particles
LOHOME Mini Bladeless Fan, $32, Amazon
Fan blades get extra dusty because they collect a static charge that attracts particles like dead skin and allergens. This LOHOME mini bladeless fan is way easier to clean, because it's got no blades whatsoever. It uses an airfoil-shaped ramp to amplify airflow, and it's totally rechargeable, so you can use in the office or beside your bed.
12. The Nightlight That Clears The Air Of Irritants
If you use a nightlight, chances are it's covered in dust and you haven't replaced it in years. Get rid of it! The IonNight emits up to three million negative ions per second, purifying a space up to 250 square feet. Since negative ions have the ability to clear the air of mold spores, pollen, odors, smoke, bacteria, viruses, and pet dander, this one is sure
13. This Pet Bed That You Can Throw In The Washing Machine
Pecute Machine Washable Pet Bed, $36, Amazon
Sleeping with your pet could mean you're at a higher risk for getting sick, but most pet beds are bulky and difficult to clean. This Pecute washable pet bed has a removable cushion that you can just throw in the machine. It's also got a non-slip bottom, supportive side walls, and a micro suede exterior to keep your furry friend warm and comfy.
14. This Mesh Paneled Comforter That Balances The Temperature In Your Bed
Climabalance Temperature Regulating Comforter, $70, Amazon
Apparently people produce 26 gallons of sweat in bed every year, and a stifling comforter isn't helping. This Climabalance temperature regulating comforter is designed with mesh panels and hypoallergenic materials to transport humidity, allow heat to escape, and balance the temperature in your bed. That's why it's a great blanket for any season, so you don't have to change your bedding with the weather.
15. The Mop With A Spinning Bucket That Gets Rid Of Dirt
O-Cedar Spin Mop System, $34, Amazon
If you've got tiles or hardwood in your bedroom (like me), a mop is often the best way to clean — but how much dirt is your mop clinging onto? The O-Cedar Spin Mop System is my go-to cleaning system because it has a genius spinning bucket that removes dirt and excess water from your mop using centrifugal force. It also has a triangular shaped design that fits into corners, and a removable microfiber pad that you can throw in the washing machine when you're done.
16. This Super Effective Air Freshener That Doesn't Use Any Toxic Chemicals
Coop Home Goods Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier, $20, Amazon
Air freshenevers and sprays often contain harmful chemicals that could cause DNA-mutations and asthma. Switch that smelly stuff out for this Coop Home Goods bamboo air purifier, which uses only natural activated charcoal to absorb odors, smoke, and allergens. It's covered with 100 percent linen for a sleek, safe appearance, and all you have to do to clean it is place your deodorizer in direct sunlight for an hour every 30 days.
17. This Body Pillow That's Made From Bamboo
Five Diamond Collection Bamboo Covered Full Body Pillow, $69, Amazon
If you're not in the habit of washing your pillows, this hypoallergenic body pillow is made from bamboo, and it's dust mite resistant. It's also super comfortable, because it's made from memory foam, and will keep you cool while you lay. The best part? You can throw the entire thing in the washing machine. So get in the habit of doing it!
18. The Diffuser That Minimizes Airborne Germs
Ultransmit Aroma Dot Diffuser, $26, Amazon
You can't replace your air. However, this Ultransmit Aroma Dot diffuser purifies the air, gives off a calming light, and adds humidity to your space alongside your favorite essential oils. Reviewers also can't stop talking about how whisper quiet, space-saving, and sleek it is. Best of all, the combination of moisture and essential oils helps to minimize germs and viruses in the air.
19. The Laundry Additive That Removes Allergens From Clothes And Bedding
DeMite Laundry Additive, $16, Amazon
For that childhood blanket that you positively can't replace, this DeMite laundry additive eliminates dust mite allergens from bedding and clothing. It's non-toxic as well as dye and fragrance free, and it works alongside your favorite detergent without issue. "This was recommended by [my daughter's] asthma doctor," says one reviewer. "I've been washing all of our blankets and pillows in this religiously and we noticed a major difference immediately."
20. This Mineral-Based Allergen Spray That Will Renew Everything You Can't Replace
Allergen Spray, $17, Amazon
For everything you can't replace, there's this allergen spray from Allergy Asthma Clean. It uses natural mineral concentrates to render allergens inactive, so you're no longer bothered by pet dander and dust mites. It doesn't have any added fragrances, either, so it's great for sensitive noses, and reviewers say, "Great stuff!! So simple, so clean."
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